The One-Punch Man manga is taking a break, leaving fans eager for Saitama’s next adventure waiting a bit longer. Here’s the lowdown on the hiatus and what to expect when the series returns.
Two-Month Hiatus: What We Know
On June 20, 2024, the editorial department of Tonari no Young Jump, where the One-Punch Man manga is serialized, announced that the series would be going on a two-month break. This news was also shared by Yusuke Murata, the artist behind the manga adaptation of ONE’s original webcomic.
Reason for the Break
According to the official announcement, the hiatus is due to “various adjustments and preparations” needed by Yusuke Murata. While the exact nature of these adjustments remains undisclosed, Murata apologized to readers for the wait and assured them that the manga would return with renewed vigor.
Return Date
Mark your calendars! The One-Punch Man manga is scheduled to resume on August 22, 2024, with the release of Chapter 202.
Volume 31 Release
In the meantime, fans can look forward to the release of One-Punch Man Volume 31 on July 4, 2024.
Fan Reactions
The announcement of the hiatus has naturally sparked a range of reactions from the One-Punch Man fanbase. While some fans expressed disappointment at the delay, most have been understanding and supportive, acknowledging the demanding nature of manga creation and the need for creators to take breaks.
Rewrites and Canon Confusion
This hiatus follows a period of extensive rewrites within the One-Punch Man manga, specifically concerning the Ninja Village arc. These rewrites, undertaken by Murata, involved releasing new versions of previously published chapters, leading to significant alterations in the storyline.
Fan Discontent
The extensive nature of these rewrites has caused some discontent among fans, with many expressing confusion over what is considered canon. This break may provide an opportunity for Murata and ONE to consolidate the story and clarify the direction of the manga.
A Chance to Realign
Some fans believe that the hiatus could be beneficial, allowing Murata and ONE to “get their ducks in a row” and plan the upcoming arc more effectively. This could prevent the need for such extensive rewrites in the future.
Murata’s Health and Workload
It’s worth noting that Yusuke Murata’s health and workload have been a topic of concern among fans. In May 2023, Murata discussed the challenges of balancing his work with family life and other projects, hinting at a possible need for a break.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
The manga industry is known for its demanding work environment, with many artists developing Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) due to prolonged periods of drawing. This condition can cause pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.
Prioritizing Health
Given these concerns, many fans have urged Murata to prioritize his health, even if it means taking breaks from the manga.
The Creative Process
The One-Punch Man manga is a collaborative effort between ONE, the original creator and writer, and Yusuke Murata, the illustrator. Murata’s adaptation of ONE’s webcomic has been praised for its exceptional art and dynamic action sequences.
Returning to the Webcomic Roots
In recent months, there has been a noticeable effort to bring the manga adaptation closer to the storyline of ONE’s original webcomic. This has involved redrawing chapters to align with the webcomic’s plot and character development.
Improving the Adaptation
Murata has stated that these revisions are necessary to achieve a clear vision and interpretation of the plot, ensuring that the manga stays true to ONE’s original plan.
What to Expect Upon Return
With the One-Punch Man manga set to return on August 22, fans are eager to see what’s in store. Here are some potential developments:
Blast vs. Empty Void Rematch
Following the events of the redrawn Ninja Village arc, many expect the next chapter to feature a rematch between Blast, a powerful S-Class hero, and Empty Void, his former partner.
New Developments in the Ninjas Arc
The hiatus may allow for a fresh perspective on the Ninjas Arc, potentially leading to new and exciting developments in the storyline.
Closer Alignment with the Webcomic
Given the recent efforts to align the manga with ONE’s original webcomic, it’s likely that future chapters will continue to follow the webcomic’s plot more closely.
The One-Punch Man Phenomenon
One-Punch Man has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, comedy, and superhero tropes.
From Webcomic to Manga
The series began as a webcomic created by ONE in 2009. Its popularity led to Yusuke Murata creating a digital manga remake, which began serialization in 2012.
Anime Adaptations
The manga has been adapted into two anime seasons, with a third season set to premiere in October 2025.
Live-Action Adaptation
A live-action film adaptation of One-Punch Man is also in development, with Dan Harmon and Heather Anne Campbell reportedly rewriting the script.
Other Works by ONE
In addition to One-Punch Man, ONE is also known for creating Mob Psycho 100, another popular manga series. ONE has a new manga series called Bug Ego, which started serialization in September 2024.
A Brief History of Hiatuses
The One-Punch Man manga has experienced hiatuses before, often due to various circumstances affecting the creators.
Previous Breaks
ONE put the original webcomic on hiatus in February 2010, taking a one-year break due to family circumstances. After releasing chapter 109 in January 2017, ONE took a two-year break, releasing the following chapter in April 2019.
Golden Week Holiday
In May 2024, the manga took a two-week hiatus due to Japan’s Golden Week holiday period.
Where to Read One-Punch Man
One-Punch Man manga is available in both digital and print formats.
Viz Media
Viz Media has licensed the remake manga for English release and serializes it in their Weekly Shonen Jump digital magazine in North America.
Shueisha’s Tonari no Young Jump
The manga is serialized on Shueisha’s Tonari no Young Jump website in Japan.
Stay Tuned!
While the two-month break may be disappointing for some, it’s important to remember that it’s a necessary step for the creators to recharge and prepare for the next chapter in Saitama’s story. Stay tuned for the return of One-Punch Man on August 22, 2024!
